,Il Everyday adventure, Skills for life 1st Hensingham Scout Group Annual report 2023-24 Scouts 1st Hensingham
Qn Welcome to our 2023-24 annual report Our team of Leaders contlnues to change and we have some new chatleiige5 coming up with changes to our role titles, training and records systein. I have managed to attend Beaver and Scoutcamp5 in thL last year and il ha5 been great to See them out aqaiii arid liaving a good tiime. Th011gh I liave missed quite a few events over tl)e last year there are. of course. more in pipeLine. As Group Load Voluntccr my biggesl concorn Is ensui'incJ we have enough aduLt support to contiiiue deLivering the active programme that our young people deserve and have come to expect. and my top priority at this time is ensuring that we slrengthen Iho adult SUPPOrt for our Cub Packs. We have had more new recTUits to the leadership team this year with Chloe, George and Lisa but nioro would bo good. It is great to continue seeing fornier Beavers. Cub5 and Scouls coinii)g back to holp their old seclions as Youii9 Leaders. Our Young Leaders do a fantastic job helping our adult volunteers run the sections and sharing their enthusiasm with the young people. However. these Young Leaders are wilh us to train to be leader5 of the future, not as a substilute for adulls now. I would like to thank everyone (leaders, parents and young people) for helping make the last 12 months a success. If you or someone you know is up for the challenge of learning new skills. inspiring our Youiig members to achieve their best and having fun whilst you're doing it. speak to myself or your child's section leade.r. It doesn't have to be weekly commitment, We are looking to increase our Active Support section which is a team to help run 5peciflc one-off activities like camps and events away from the school. We are looking at running Family Camp next year which we hope lots of you wlll attend and enjoy seeing what we do ai)d giving it a go, I know the section leaders are already planning lots of exciting actlvities for the next ycjar, botli indoors and out. I look forward lo liavlng you share the fun. challeii9e and adventure with us. Alf Branth ISkEli*hrLlf•
14EAVERS We've studied space. planted vegetables. made fire and lit candles and modelled instruments from recycling. Beavers ha5 seen our numbers steadily grow this year. we are almost back up to full capacity with thf> next cohort due to move to Cubs from September onwards. Wo have Issued -239 badges tliis year of which 7 were the Beaver Chief Scout's Bronze award. 15 nights away ranging from one night to an accumulated four nights and 16 Joining In badges, thi5 being 12 for being a Beaver for one year and 4 for two years. We'vè also had a number of the Beavers achleve or start to achleve their Community Impact badge by conducting litter picks at several locations and tree planting over two annual sessions. We held a Beaver camp at Ennerdale, which for somewas theirfirst experience of being away wlth us and from their families and although the weather and midges weren't kind to U5, they all handled it brllllantly Next year we plan to revisit the swlmming badges, visit local members of the community, try some of the newor badge offerings and of course finish off some of the badges we have already started, We've had Chloe Join the Beaver Leader team, a very welcome addition. And we've liad Phoenix. Jamie and Jacob move from being Beaver Young Leaders into Cubs and Scouts. Thank you all for yoursupportthisyear and enjoyyour new sectlons going forward. Some of the activities we have taken part In tl)is year have included cooking, deconstructed smores, dough twists. peppermint creams and chocolatefondue. Embroidered Christmas he55ian Stockings And finally, as alway5. we need to give a huge thank you to all parents. famllies and households that have helped us this year. We can't do this by ourselves, we need your hetp. If anyone would like to get more involved, be it occaslonally in the weekly se55ion5 or when we have our camps. please see one of the Beaver Leader5 for more details. Thanks again and here'5 to another good year at Beavers. Lisa. Ross. David, Gege and Chl IIK>eniKJamie, Jacob, Chartie, Isaac and Alex ISkillsForLife
cubs Supported by our young leaders. oui Cubs voted to support the community by carrying out litter plck5 in Whitehaven and at WalkmiLI woods In Moresby. With the West Cumbria RivÈr5 Trust we also tarried out tree planting whÉrÈ we planted more than 200 new trees. Throughout the year our Cubs tookÈd outside, Leaining various different techniques. from marshmallows on a stick, to cooking hotdogs in a tin. Towards the end of the summerterm our Cub5 cooking skills were put to the test on the Cub Summer camp where they had to cook dlnner for themselves and the leaders. We've had another Èxcellent year In Cubs, with nearly 100 chalLenge badges and a very impressive 9 Chief Scout's Silver awards presented. We al50 managed to hand out over 200 activity badges across a broad range of topics Including Safety, Photography, learning about the local area, Navlgation. Environmental Conservation and International cultures. Our numbers have grown steadlly over the year and whiLst many have moved onto Scouts, many more have moved up from Beavers orjoined directly. The Cub summer camp was a first for our section and proved to be a hugÈLy succÈssful camp with an attendance of 22 Cubs {75%1 where for 10 of the Cubs were on thelr first night away with one Cub reaching achieving their 10th night away award. The camp was arranged in a similar way to a Scout patrol camp. with the Cubs being spllt into small groups in which they worked as a team to tompleto various challenges including building Davlnci bridge and cooking a 2 course meaL It goes without saying that this camp and Indeed the whole year would not l)ave been the succes5 it was wtthout the tireless enthusiasm and support of the Young Leaders. This year our Cubs have tried many new things. including some badge5 we haven't traditionally run as a Cub section. Hlghlights through the year include. Completing the DIY badge where the Cubs trled their hand at building advent calendars using a range of hand tools. ISkili*ForLif¢
Finally: a huge thank you to all the parents. families and houseliolds and especially our Cubs. Our plan is to continue to provide a varied, adventurous programme, continulng to support our Cubs to achieving their Chlef Scout Award and Learii some amazlng skills for tife. However., none of th5S just happens and takes a lot of effort by a small number of people in the with some significant challenges within the Cub leadership team. without additional support from you, the parents.there be an impart on some of our future planned activitie5. John. DavKI, Rebecca. Keith, Kenzie Zach, Blake. Josh and Fheonix IISklllgF•rLit•
SCOUTS making a nuinber of differonl circuits,. tl)is is probably the most compLex activity badge we've undertaken as a whole Troop activity. An Eastei. gift in the form of a grant from Fibrus and HyperfastGB atLowed us to add fencing (with swords, nol posb and wire) to our activiLy fepertolre tliis summer - both on our D&D Iheinecl camp and at our ond of term troop meolings. We're looking forward to adding <iriother new activity. rnountain biking. to our programme next year. thanks to one of our parents who'5 successfully gained their Scouts Adventurous Activity Permit to lead il for us. Aiiotlier year has flown by witli our Scouts once agaiii accompllshing a huge amount. Collectively our two troops have completed 30 Challenge Awards, earned 156 activity badges and clocked up 334 nighLs away. Throughout tho v@ar wo've continued to offer a wide mix of acliviLies through OUT weekly meeiings aiid wcckcnd activities. As always coro scouting skiLls sucl) as navigation, first aid. pioneering have featiired strongLy, as well as troop favourites such as cooking and fire lighting. This year we set the Patrols a coiiple of challenge5 to put some of thelr skiLls into practice. ThL)y successfully planned iiienu lor a weekeiid cJinp, aiid Uion cookcd the niÉlili course; tliey also plLiiined and navigated a short evening hike In the local area. In both cases they've risen to the challenge and our older Scouts have shown some excellent leadership skills, attributes that have also been much in evidence at our Goldeii Peg Camping Competition and D&D themed PatroL Camps durlng the year, and on Ihis yeaf's expedition challenge In the Soutli Lakes. Tliroughout tho yoar wo've contliiuod our collaboration witli the West Cumbria Rivers Trust at Walkmill Woods. and we're lioping to do more with them next year. The big finale to the last year was. once agaln, our summer camp. This year we Joined up with over 2000 other Scouts and Explorers at the Wesimorland County Showground for Lancashlre Scouts. Jainborce - Red Rose. Tlirough Lhe week we had the chance to try a multitude of different activities. many of which we'd not normally get the chance to offer on our own. We're already looking to arrange next year'5 sumtner camp Itliis one will be just us). and we've gol an eyè on an international Jainboree In 2026. As well a5 traditional skills. we've also embraced some new activities this year. In the Spring term we cornplLJted the Electronics activity badgo. fiiidiiig out about different components and •SkillsForUf•
None of our amazing programine would happen wilhout the support of our volunteer leadershlp team; so on behalf of both Troops, a huge thank you to Drew, lona. Mike. Nic. Nikita. Josh, Sam & Alex, and Jacob. Jamie & Ben for their enthusiasm, and giving up 50 much time to help deliver all of our activities. We'd also like to tl)ank Dan. Sluclrt & Paul for their help witl) activities ancl canips through the year, plus all tlie parents who've stepped in to offer a hand wlien we've 85ked foi support. Finally, as leaders. we're lucky to work with a great group of young people and we'd like Lo thank alL our Scouts for always being wlLling lo try out our wierd and wondorfuL new idoas and bringing thelr boundless energy to everythlng we Overall our Troop numbers remain healthy. We ve welcomed 16 new Scouts and said a sad goodbye to several of our older Scouts. although it's great to see some of them return as Youiig Leaders Sn the younger sectlons. Looking ahead. we expect our TTOQP number5 to remain stable or grow slightly with a small waiting list for direct entry and a steady flow of Cubs due to move up as OLSr older Scouts reach the end of their tiine witl) us. Jon. Drew. IcK)a. Mike, NIG Niknla, Josh & Sam, Jam. Jacob & 8en We've been fortunate to have Jacob. Jamie & Ben. 3 of our former Scouts, return to join our leadership teain as Young Leaders liaving previously been helping witl) Beavers.
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Gift Aid claim. With your help, gifl aidlng generated income to just over £2500 thls year. If vou haven't signed up but are eligible, please do so it's very simple and won't cost you a thing. Gift Aid 15 essential in helping the group finance5 go further together subs and the money claimed from Gift Aid cover the basic running costs of the group. As usual, the annual return and the year-end atcounts for the previous yL)af (2022120231 and updatod trustoe informatioli wero submittecl to the Charity Commission. A summary of our accounts is available on the Charity Commission website. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and benefactors for their ontinued support during this year. Tlie group finances for the financial year 202312024 remained fairLy healthy. If anyone is suffering from any hardship please speak to your leader. any information that is discussed is confidential. With just over 100 memk)ers and approximately 30-40 new starterslleavers each year our subscription and subsoquent accounts are constai)Ity changlng. TIIL, QiilinL SL()ul MillJJy.er (CJSM ) %y%ieiii 1.4 IJOIV Ilie 11)diil lliL'lli()(I c)1" payiiieni Ic)r .%iil)5Lripti()n4 iin¢l Vrfirioiis ciieiils. Cuiild I plc4iSC ask if yoii (lon. cli¢tIY use Iliis sybleni il. yoij ivoiild consi(l¢r Iising il. The major Source of normal income to supplement our funds from subscriptions remains our annual Treasurer ISkili•F•rUI•
Summary of Accounts Income Membership subscriptions Donations Gift aid 2022123 £ 11,172.94 £ 990.62 £ 1.731.96 2023124 £ 9,770.00 £ 2,346.33 £ 2,508.86 r 11 Fundralsing Group activitiÈs Uniform Other income Total £ 199.89 £ 6,574.56 £ 1.981.65 £ 184.8S £ 22,836.47 £ 573.51 £ 12,327.70 £ 1,807.16 £ 15,342.92 £ 44.676.48 Expenditure Membershlp subscriptions Programme and activities Rent and rates 2022123 £ 4.719.00 £ 10,034.52 £ 7,372.73 2023124 £ 3,738.00 £ 14.883.90 £ 6.874.18 Eli Insurance General administration Uniform Fundraising expenses A55et and investment purchase Other expenditure Total £ 991.15 £ 269.51 £ 2.548.84 £ 1.108.58 £ 252.49 £1,094.50 £ 245.39 £ 3,711.88 E 16,339.27 £ 48.248.19 £ 2,604.44 £ 873.52 £ 29.413.71 Statement of assets & liabilities Unrestricted cash funds Restricted cash funds Non-monetary assets Liabilities (accounts not yet paid) 2022123 £ 40.429.69 2023124 £ 36.857.98 £ 26,485.87 £ 339.97 £ 28.096.85 £ 701.10
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Trustee Board Sadly. our long sianding Troasurer Louise Hodgson has givcn notice of her intentlon to stand down within the next 12 months; I would like to take this opportunity to thank Louise for her contribution. General This is our flrst year where we have operated as a Trustep Board. this has been a big change as we move from an operational focus to one of yoveiiiaiice aiid oversicJliL: its lakeii a bit of geLling used to and to be frank we are still fiiiding our feet ith the trillisitional arrangements. Even wilh the transition. the Trusteo Board continued to provide management overslgl)l and .Idministration to the l Hensingham Scout Group. The Twstees make sure the charity is well managed, finances are controlled and approprialeLy allocated. risk5 are assessed and mitigated, buildings and oquipment is In good working order. and everyone follows botli legal requirements and the Scouls Poticy. Organisation and Rules. As a Trustees Board wp have continued to work in the background dealing with the usual financial, maintenance, rental, insurance, safety and training issues. Equipment store We continije to Lease the eqiiipment store at the Sneckyeat Industrial estate. with 3 years leftto run on our current Leasing arrangemenL This facility continues to provide invalijable storage and easy access to equipment, as well as giving us a small amount of flexible 3Ctivity space, and somewhere to dry tents after camp. Hensiiigham School The Trustees. supporL helps the section leaders ruli a faiitastic progranime that gives our young peopLe skills for life and experiences they'll remember forever. Last August we successfully negotiated an extended contract witl) Hensingliam scl)ooL to not only renew oiir contract but to exten(I the review period which is now on a 2 year cycle. this has provided some stability to the group and our intention is to start renewal discussions at the earliesl opporiunity. So the Trustees are an essential cog in the wheel of a successful scouting group. we are essentially a group of volunteers without whorn the group couldnt operate, however, the new rules of the Scouts limiL both Ihe numbers ol irustees and sigiiificantly tho length of tenurc foi each Trustoe, whicli is now set at a maximiirn of 9 years. So whilst liistoiically we constantly sought new Executive Board niembers we now find ourselves in the position where new trustees are essential to maintdln tl)e oversight and governance of the group going forward. Througli an open seLection process we have made rocominLndaiions of tIiL) irustecs for 2024125. these recoinmeiidations will be forniailised at the AGM. Risk Management The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which we believe the 1st Hensiiigham Scout Group is exposed. these have been reviewed and System5 have been established to mitigate against each risk. A key focus on our routlne meetings is the aclive managemenl of these risks. As an exainple we consider Ios5 of facilities as a key risk. we have mitigated this througli the eslablislinient of longer term leases as described above. •SldllsFwUfe io
Funding Whilst our reserves continue to maintain a healthy financial position. Lik@ most organisations we have seei) significant increJses ii) operatlng costs over the last 12 months which has resulted in an operational loss for the year. We anticipate further operational losses next year unless we take action to address the shortfall. As a consequence we are reluctantLy increasing subs by £2.50 per term and wliilo at face valuo this Looks 1< substantial increase unfortuiiately after making this decision the Natioiial Scout association have increased their fee5 by E5.00 per year which goes a great way to nullifying the increase. Thanks I would like to extend my thanks to: The section leaders and Young Leaders. as the health of our organisation depends on the ability. avallability and comiiiitnient of ihe5e volunteers. Tlie Trustee Board members for Ihelr had work. AIL parents for their support. Hensingham Primary School for the use of the school and grounds as our base. Jacobs Field Solutions for their continued supporL Hardship As a Trustee Board we recognisc tl)at tho cost of living crisis places a significant burden on some families. with Scouting activities one of the first casualtie5 of a tightening family budget. As a consequence. this year, we have maintained our hardship fund budget and continue to review any requests in each of our board meeting5. The hardship fund is available to support any member of the Group whose financial circunistances are now strÈtthed with the tost of Scouting. The group relle5 50 heavily on these volunteers who provide their time and tommitment and as over wc aro secking support froin aiiyone who would Like to get involved in the runi)iiig of tlie group. Dave Martin Trustee Board Chair
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Group Information 2023-24 Registered Name: 1st Hensingham Scout GTOUP Registered Charity No: 520612 Registered Address of HQ: Hen5ingham Primary Sclwol Main Stteet. Hensingham Whllehaven, CA28 8QZ Banker5: Natwesl Trustee Board Mr Dave Martin (Chalr) (Treasurer) (Group Lead Volunteer'l Df Jonathan Cheesewright IS¢out Leader) Mr John Smallman (Cub Leaderl (Beaver Leaderl Mrs Louise Hodgson Mr Alf Branch Mrs Lisa Stanaway Mrs Kam Massey Mrs Clare Bethwaite Iiidependent Examiner- NIA Investment Advisers.. Not requlred as the Group only holds cash Unity Insurance SeTvices Mr5 Ann Walkingshaw Insurance Advisers: Ex.officio appointment by nature of their role. ISkllisForLlfe 12
LT700005- Scrutlneer's Report to the Trustees (July Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of the I. Hensingham Scout Group Scout Council I report on the accounts of the GrouplDistrict for the year ended 5th April 2024 As the Group'slDistrict's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise tlie accounts and to I"eport to you. In accordance with the directions given in the Group'slDistrict's constitution. I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages 3 to 3 In my opinion the accounts are in accordan with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution. Name: Emma KeLIy Address.. 4 Broom Bank. The Highlands, Whitehaven. Cumbria. CA28 6SB Date: 221 August 2024
1 st Hensingham Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account For the year from 0610412023 To 0510412024 Receipts and payments 2023124 Restrlcted Endowment funds funds 2022123 Unrestricted funds Total funds Total funds Recelpts Donatlons, legacles and slmllar Membership subscriptions 9770.00 0.00 9770.00 11172.94 Less.. Memi*rship subscription5 paid on 4738.00 0.00 0.00 -3738.00 4719.00 Net membership subscriptions retained 6032.00 0.00 6032.00 6453.94 Donations 2346.33 0.00 0.00 2346.33 1277.41 Legacie5 (Reserve for new built) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Gift Aid 2508.86 0.00 250B.86 1731.96 Uniform 1807.16 0.00 1807.16 1981.65 Trips 8nd Camps 12327.70 0.00 12327.70 6574.56 Transfer bethen bank accAyJnls 15000.00 0.00 15000.00 0.00 Others 0.00 0.00 118.60 ReftJndslRebates 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Carried Fotward Year End W22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sub total 40022.05 0.00 0.00 40022.05 18138.12 Grants Mainlenena¢e grant 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Other grants 0.00 0.00 Sub total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fundralslng {gross) Curry Night 0.00 0.00 0.00 Christmas Towels 406.68 406.68 0.00 Others 0.00 0.00 0.00 Bag Pathng 0.00 0.00 0.00 EasyfvndraisinglAmazon Smile 166.83 0.00 166.83 199.89 Sub total 573.51 o.oo 0.00 573.51 199.89 Investment Income Bank interest 342.92 0.00 0.00 342.92 66.25 Building Society intere51 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 The Scout Association ShortTemi Investment Service 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Property Rent income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Olhei investment inc4)me 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sub toial 342.92 0.00 0.00 342.92 66.25 Total Gross Income 40938.dB 0.00 40938.48 18404.26 Asset and Investment sales. etc. 0.00 Total receipts 4093B.48 0.00 0.00 40938.48 18404.26 1 LT700003
1 st Hensingham Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account For the year from 0610412023 To 0510412024 Receipts and payments 2023124 Restrlcted Endowment funds funds 2022123 Unrestrlcted funds Total funds Total funds Payments Charitablè Paymants Youlh programme and activ¢iies 2349.so 0.00 2349.50 2849.12 Adull support and training 255.73 0.00 255.73 0.00 Rent and Rates 6793.67 0.00 6793.67 7291.60 Water and Sewer8g$ 0.00 0.00 O.OD 0.00 Electricity and Gas 80.51 0.00 0.00 80.51 81.13 Insufance 1108.58 0.00 1108.58 991.15 Repairs and Renewals 0.00 0.00 0.00 Transfer between bank accounts 15000.00 0.00 15000.00 0.00 Badges 580.01 0.00 580.01 922.35 General Adrnin5tr8tion 252.49 0.00 252.49 269.51 Coniribution to campltn.ps costs 11356.09 0.00 11356.09 6038.10 Unilorms & Seoul Shop 1094.50 0.00 1094.50 2548.84 Group Events IAGM. socials) 598.30 598.30 224.95 Miscell8neou5 735.82 735.82 1116.66 Other costs detail 2 Disllcounty Lewy & HQ Subs Other costs detail 3 DonationsTrresents o.oo 0.00 0.00 0.00 347.72 0.00 0.00 347.72 43.65 Sub total 40552.92 0.00 40552.92 22377.06 Fundralslng expenses Cutry Night 0.00 0.00 0.00 Christmas Towels 245.39 0.00 245.39 0.00 Refunds 0.00 0.00 0.00 Banks Wilson 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sub total 24S.39 0.00 0.00 245.39 0.00 Total Gross Expenditure 40798.31 0.00 0.00 40798.31 22377.06 Asset and Investment purcha8e8, etc. 3711.88 0.00 0.00 3711.88 2604.44 Total payments 44510.19 0.00 0.00 44510.19 24981.50 Net of recelpts/(payments) Transfers between funds -3571.71 0.00 0.00 -3571.71 -6577.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 40429.69 0.00 0.00 40429.69 47006.93 36857.98 0.00 0.00 36857.98 40429.69 2 LT700003
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 2023124 2022123 Unreslrlcted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Total funds Cash funds B8nk ¢urrenl acLount 6389.09 0.00 0.00 6389.09 25303.72 Bank deposit account {+ in¢sr¢s1) 30468.89 o.oo 0.00 30468.B9 15125.97 Buildin9 8wiety account The Scoul AsSocia"0n Short Tem Investment Service 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 CashlFloats 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total cash funds 368S7.98 0.00 0.00 36857.9B 40429.69 Other monetary assets TaK claim 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Oebts due from the CountylArealDisiricVGroup 0.00 0.00 0.00 Insurance daim 0.00 0.00 Sub total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Investment assets Investment PTopety- detail 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quoted investments 0.00 o.oo 0.00 0.00 Other investments- detail 0.00 0.00 O.OD 0.00 Sub total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Non monetary assets for charlty's own use Badge stock 1649.53 0.00 0.00 1649.S3 1743.35 Shop stock 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Unifom strk 1323.00 0.00 0.00 1323.00 1054.50 Land and buildings 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 o.oo Trailer 3437.00 0.00 0.00 3437.00 3971.00 Scoutng equlpment, fijmllure etc 21687.32 0.00 21687.32 19717.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sub total 28096.85 0.00 28096.85 26485.87 Liabllities Accounts not yet paid 701.10 0.00 701.10 339.97 Expenses incurred but nol invoiced 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SL*bscriptions not yel paid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Loan- detail 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 other liabilities 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sub total 701.10 0.00 0.00 701.10 339.97 Contlngent Ilabillties and future obllgatlons The above recelpts and payments account and statement of assets and Ilabllltles were approved by the Trustees on 3rd September 2024 (the date of the Executive Committee meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on thelr behalf by Signature Print Name Dhvio LaAi SL OJ Chair Treasurer 3 LT700003
Scouts 1st Hensingham Annual General Meetin 2024 Friday 13th September 2024, 6:30pm St John's Church, Hensingham Present: Dave Martin (chair), Alf Branch {Group Lead Volunteer), Georgina Searle {5ecretary) Trustee Board Members - Jon Cheesewright, John Smallman, Kam Massey, Louise Hodgson, Ann Walkingshaw, Clare Bethwaite Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and their families, with a total of 51 participants in attendance. l. Introduction and Welcome Dave introduced himself and welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Apologles for Absence Lisa Stanaway unable to make AGM tonight. 3. Governance Topics a. The minutes of the 2023 AGM were proposed by Dave Martin, Jon Cheesewright seconded the motion. b. Jon Cheesewright sent out a copy of the constitution to all the Trustee Board members, proposed by Dave Martin and Dave Cavaghan seconded the motion. c. The Hensingham Scouting group had their financial year starting in April 2023 and finishing in March 2024. d. It was proposed that the Trustee Board should include up to 12 members. Dave Martin proposed and Ann WalkTngshaw seconded the motion. e. It was proposed that the Group Scout Council would comprise of a leader and a parent representative from each of the Scouting sections: Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, as well as 2 Trustee Board members. Again Dave Martin proposed and Margaret James seconded the motion. 4. Review of the previous year: Alf Branch 1st Hensingbam Scoul Group R¢Bi51¢T¢d Ckntity Nuinber521kn12 n5ingham5eoul&ow&uk.
a. The Group Lead Volunteer, Alf gave a review of the Scouting year at Hensingham Scout group. All sections have had a lot of fun over the past year with 15 Bronze Awards given out in Beavers and 9 Silver Awards at Cubs. All sections have managed nights away ranging from I night with Beavers and Cubs and Scouts staying 7 nights at Red Rose camp. 5. Presentation of Annual Statement of Accounts: Louise Hodgson a. Currently Hensingham Scouting group accounts are in a healthy position, with approxlmaiely 100 members. b. Gift aid is the group's main source of income and Louise encouraged those who don't currently use it to sign up via OSM. c. We have also secured further grants and funding this year, which supports the running of the group. d. Following scrutineering, the accounts have been sent to the Charity Commission. 6. Trustee Board review Dave reflected on the continuing cost of living issues and reminded members that the Group do operate a Hardship fund which is now being actively managed to help members where needed. A number of changes were noted to the way the group runs as a result of the move to a Trustee Board, one of which means we have implemented a risk management process,, which Clare Bethwaite is looking after obo the Trustee Board. Dave highlighted the ongoing Sneckyeat Industrial Estate Equipment Store lease and the Hensingham School lease, both of which were a significant part of the group's commitments. Dave thanked Section leaders, assistant leaders and young leaders for their hard work and commitment, the Trustee Board members and parents for their continued support and Hensingham School for the continued use of their facilities. Dave also thanked the external support offered from both Sellafield Ltd and Jacobs Field Services. 7 . Making Appointments All appointments have been made using the open select•on process. a. Alf Branch appointed Dave Martin as Chair of the Trustee Board, Jon Cheesewright seconded the motion. b. Louise Hodgson appointed as Treasurer, Dave Martin proposed and Margaret James seconded the motion.
c. Approved members of the Trustee Board for 2024-2025 were Clare Bethwaite, Kam Massey, Ann Walkingshaw, Jon Cheesewright, John Smallman, Lisa Stanaway and Alf Branch. Georgina Walsh seconded the motion. d. Emma Kelly agreed to be Scrutineer for next financial year, and Louise Hodgson seconded the motion. e. Georgina Searle was appointed as secretary. 8. Closing Remarks It was repeated that the group couldn't work without the help of volunteers, so Dave asked parents to offer support and consider roles on the Trustee 8oard, especially now members can only be a part of it for 9 years. He then wished everyone a good night of Beetle Drive and Bingo. The AGM was closed.